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Friday, October 31, 2014

WHEN: November 7-16, Fridays, 8 PM; Saturdays, 8 PM; and Sundays, 2 PM. A reception with the cast and crew follows the opening night performance on Nov. 7.WHERE: Mercer County Community College Kelsey Theatre, conveniently located on the college's campus, 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor TICKETS: $20 for adults, $18 for seniors, and $16 for students and children. Free parking is available next to the theater. Tickets may be purchased online atwww.kelseytheatre.netor by calling the Kelsey Box Office at 609.570.3333. For a complete listing of adult and children's events, visit the Kelsey webpageor call the box office for a brochure.

When the rock opera Jesus Christ Superstarhit the Broadway stage in 1971, it was an electrifying leap into a new kind of musical. The power of the music and the story that it tells still resonate some four decades later.

Loosely based on St. John’s Gospel account of the last week in the life of Jesus, the complex story is intensified by its musical retelling through the eyes of Judas Iscariot. Mixing issues of religion, politics both ancient and decidedly contemporary, mob psychology and personal responsibility, this riveting show is a must-see production for its depiction of the life and times of Jesus, and its groundbreaking place in the annals of musical theater.

The cast stars Michael Scibilia of Willow Grove, Pa., as Jesus; Richard Damaso of Milltown as Judas Iscariot; Vianna Fagel of Lawrenceville as Mary Magdalene; Ben Simons of North Brunswick as Pontius Pilate, and Maria Aromando of Bridgewater as Herod. Also featured are Evan Bilinski of Franklin Park as Caiaphas the High Priest; Tia Brown of Ewing as Simon Zealotes; and Matt Dawson of Hillsborough as Annas the High Priest.

The Apostles include Reginald Brockington of Hamilton, Melody Dougherty of Philadelphia, Pa., Jennifer Fischer of Hamilton, Michael Gearty of Langhorne, Pa., Bridget Hughes of Jackson, Paul Lasky of Hamilton, Jenna O’Neill of Hamilton, Christopher Singh of West Windsor and Michael Zweig of Philadelphia, Pa. Lead dancers are Kaitlyn Anthony of Bordentown and Emily O’Sullivan of Hamilton.

The show is directed by Frank Ferrara, with musical direction by Shannon Ferrara, associate musical direction by Mike Gilchand, and choreography by Renee Chambers-Liciaga. Costumes are by Michelle Rittmann and set design is by Bryan Schendlinger. Ruth Kresge and Nancy Scharf are the stage managers and Hilary Leboff and Suzanne Smith are the producers.

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